John Ray Dahlem

John Ray Dahlem was born October 20, 1949, in Enid, Oklahoma to Leland and Helen Dahlem. He passed on July 10, 2023, at Oklahoma Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City at the age of 73.
John grew up on the family farm south of Medford. He graduated from Medford High School in 1968.
John’s life evolved around his family. He enjoyed farming and working with his dad and mother.
John was a little bit Dahlem, a little bit Nichols, a little bit Schuermann and a whole lot of everything else.
He served as the unofficial family historian and storyteller. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Medford and grew up in the Jefferson United Methodist Church.
John was a member of the Pond Creek and Medford Masonic Lodges, Medford Lion's Club, Akdar  Shriner Organization, Eastern Star, and worked with The Wildhorse Gang Organization for young children.
He was and avid Sooner Football fan, enjoyed playing cards, pool, and games of any sort. He loved John Wayne movies and could quote most lines by heart.
John is survived by his sister, Janice Meritt of Medford; his nephew and niece, Todd Meritt of Springtown, TX and Michelle Meritt- Eubanks and husband Nick of Edmond, Ok; great niece and great nephew, Hunter Layhew- Hertel and husband John of Claremore, Ok and Tristen Layhew of Edmond, Ok; and one great- great niece, Tatum Hertel; two aunts, MaryAnn Dykes of Enid and Raelene Brown of Ponca City. 
John is also survived by countless cousins and friends, all of whom he loved dearly.
John loved the Lord. John’s sweet spirit was what drew most people to him.
John was preceded in death by both his parents, his brother-in-law, Larry Meritt and his infant brother, Darrell Wayne Dahlem.
Services will be held Friday, July 14, 2023, at the Jefferson First United Methodist Church in Jefferson, OK, officiated by Pastor Kateena Roberts at 2:00 P.M. Interment will follow at Rosemound Cemetery, Medford, OK Memorials to Jefferson United Methodist, St. Mary's Catholic Church or Medford Lion's Club. Arrangements by Wilson Funeral Home, Pond Creek, OK.